Dozens of first-responders and quick-acting citizens received recognition at the Statehouse on Thursday for their heroic actions.

The annual Union Leader Hero Awards recognize people who acted heroically to help others, some even sacrificing their own lives.

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The waters of the Merrimack River were running high last summer when a man and his two stepdaughters fell off their jet ski and were left clinging to a barrier cable just 300 feet from the Amoskeag Falls and likely death.

"We were able to accomplish it because all the pieces were in place," Smith said. "If they were not, it's not a feat that two people can do."

Kristi Smith-Perry helped pull a man from a wrecked vehicle in Hooksett just before it burst into flames.

"It's definitely overwhelming," she said. "I just did what I thought was right."

The parents of Paul Frontiero accepted a posthumous award on behalf of their son, who was killed saving two women being attacked in Nashua in October.

"I'm very proud of my son for what he did," said Cathy Frontiero. "It doesn't surprise me that he stepped in in a time of need. That's just the way he was. He was just a good kid."

Becky Grosso and Jeff Foy were working in their office when they saw a car smash into a gas pump at the corner of Elm and Webster streets in Manchester. They rescued a grandfather and granddaughter from the burning vehicle.

"I'm glad we were across the street, and I'm glad we were able to go out and help," Grosso said.

In Farmington in July, Clayton Ball, Kristopher Martel, Archie Martin, Keith Noseworthy, along with Scott Ferguson and Colin Wheeler of the Farmington Police Department, helped pull a man from a burning truck after an accident.

"We had a heck of a time to get the doors open, but we got them open, and from there, we all communicated what needed to be done," Martel said.

Joan Perkins, of Epping, saved people on an out-of-control hay wagon ride at Applecrest Farm in September by stepping in front of a team of runaway draft horses to slow them down.

"I don't consider myself a hero," Perkins said. "I did something instinctive, knowing very well they were my horses, myself and my husband's horses. I just kind of knew what had to get done, and that's what I tried to do to help the people that were on the wagon."

Dawn Booker helped save her mother's life as their house in Pembroke burned in March. Her words echoed the sentiments of each hero honored.

"I'm humbled," she said. "I don't feel as though I deserve it, but I see the other people and what they've done, and I see that they deserve it. I would have done it in a heartbeat again."

Frances Gehling was posthumously honored for her actions when she died in a fire at her home. Her husband was able to escape the fire by jumping out a window, but she stayed inside to try to rescue her daughter, who also died in the fire.

Several members of the Londonderry Fire Department were also honored for their attempts to save the two.

Mariellen Puckett, of Manchester, and members of the Manchester Fire Department were honored for their attempts to save her son, Ryan Christian, from a fire. Puckett was unable to enter the smoky basement where her son was trapped but escaped to call 911.

Firefighters were able to reach Christian, but he died several days later.

Taras "Taz" Lane was honored for helping rescue his neighbor from a fire in September. He kicked down the door of his neighbor's apartment when his wife heard a smoke alarm.

Officers William Gudzinowicz, Phillip Landsteiner and Stephen Wallin of the Merrimack Police Department were honored for rescuing a woman from an apartment fire in Merrimack.